"Absolute Truth is not an object of analytical discourse or great discriminating wisdom,It is realized through the blessing grace of the Guru and fortunate Karmic potential.Like this, mistaken ideas of discriminating wisdom are clarified."

May any merit generated by on-line discussionBe dedicated to the Ultimate Benefit of All Sentient Beings.

"Absolute Truth is not an object of analytical discourse or great discriminating wisdom,It is realized through the blessing grace of the Guru and fortunate Karmic potential.Like this, mistaken ideas of discriminating wisdom are clarified."

May any merit generated by on-line discussionBe dedicated to the Ultimate Benefit of All Sentient Beings.

"Absolute Truth is not an object of analytical discourse or great discriminating wisdom,It is realized through the blessing grace of the Guru and fortunate Karmic potential.Like this, mistaken ideas of discriminating wisdom are clarified."

May any merit generated by on-line discussionBe dedicated to the Ultimate Benefit of All Sentient Beings.

Jikan wrote:I'd prefer DW be a place for meaningful dialogue and learning. A consensus club would be constipated and boring. And small.

I don't understand what you mean by "consensus club".

Blue Garuda wrote:

dharmagoat wrote:When it comes to the appropriateness of subject matter, I believe that the best form of moderation for a site like this is one that follows the consensus of its members. This means that it is the responsibility of each member to maintain the integrity and Buddhist identity of this forum by pointing out when they believe discussions cease to adequately represent the essence of what the Buddha taught. No action need be taken, as long as it remains clear what is considered by most to be authentic Buddhism and what is not.

Nobody knows what that consensus is.

By "consensus" I mean "general vibe", if that makes it any clearer. Being a Buddhist forum, it is our shared understanding of the Dharma that will be the common ground on which we can establish what is representative of this website and what is not. Maybe, as catmoon has suggested, we can make it clearer what this common ground actually is.

And what's all this about "lynch mobs"?

What I have suggested is that it is up to members to collectively preserve the Buddhist identity of this site by posting appropriate disclaimers when topics appear to obscure or confuse the message of the Buddhist teachings. I have stated that no intervention is required if this is maintained. When intervention is required it can be as benign as moving a thread to a more appropriate forum. I can't recall anyone on this thread seriously suggesting that topics be restricted, and certainly no mention of anyone being banned.

I mean by "consensus club" a community predicated on consensus: you're here because you agree with us, you're one of us because you agree with us, &c. I'd rather be among those who share a common interest with me (in this instance, Buddha Dharma) but are not necessarily in the loyalty oath racket. That's what I mean and what I meant to imply with the phrase "consensus club."

Jikan wrote:I mean by "consensus club" a community predicated on consensus: you're here because you agree with us, you're one of us because you agree with us, &c. I'd rather be among those who share a common interest with me (in this instance, Buddha Dharma) but are not necessarily in the loyalty oath racket. That's what I mean and what I meant to imply with the phrase "consensus club."

"All that is required for evil to prosper is that good men do nothing."

That might be true of the Third Reich, but it hardly applies to the "new ager question".

I find New Agers about as dangerous as tofu. Unlike Nazis they are much too self abosorbed and lazy to be a threat to anything but themselves. Since this site does not generally cater to self aggrandizment and specialness I think they would lose interest. Forcing a direction on a site this new and small would probably kill it. Let it find it's own way. The other option is enjoying the silence.

Jikan wrote:back to topic: does the board *need* a particular direction?

I'd prefer DW be a place for meaningful dialogue and learning. A consensus club would be constipated and boring. And small.

Seconded.Especially the boring and constipated part.

No shit? LOL

If staff tried to control or stifle debate excessively the forum would shrink and I think the most useful and interesting members would not post.

Equally, if staff were to let anything go, people would leave through frustration and through an unwillingness to be part of something they perceived as negative.

So, staff can only act in a limited way, and members have access to them with any grievances re. ToS breaches etc.

If members have a particular desire for a school or view to become more prominent then they can start threads.

What I find unacceptable is for members to bleat about the dominance of discussions on a topic they dislike or find boring, and do nothing at all to give the forum something they would find positive or interesting.

I sometimes start threads. It's good to find out that people like what you say, disagree or find you boring or offensive - and in some threads you get all of those reactions - or none ! LOL

Bear in mind that we have some members and non-members who only read and never post - I hope they do post and find that this forum is a fair and open medium for their message.

That's because there are several other major forums for Mahāyāna discussions. Market share dictates we'll only get a certain portion of the available market.

Dhammawheel is the chief forum for Theravada discussion in English I reckon.

I think the statistics were posted by the Team recently. Numerically and in terms of 'active' membership, this is pretty much the top Mahayana forum, but seems less busy these days since some key members are not posting. In recent months, if Dzogchen posts were removed, it would appear very quiet. These things go in cycles, but where there are specialist forums such as Zen Forum International there is naturally less traffic here on Zen.

That's because there are several other major forums for Mahāyāna discussions. Market share dictates we'll only get a certain portion of the available market.

Dhammawheel is the chief forum for Theravada discussion in English I reckon.

I think the statistics were posted by the Team recently. Numerically and in terms of 'active' membership, this is pretty much the top Mahayana forum, but seems less busy these days since some key members are not posting. In recent months, if Dzogchen posts were removed, it would appear very quiet. These things go in cycles, but where there are specialist forums such as Zen Forum International there is naturally less traffic here on Zen.

Thanks for pointing it out guys I love the forum and I do really hope that more people can enjoy discussions here like we do